Torn

Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn from Them

De: Jeff Strong

Narrado por: Jeff Strong

Drawing on one of the most comprehensive studies ever conducted on Latter-day Saint disaffiliation-including surveys of more than 20,000 current and former members-along with interviews, personal experience, and national research, author Jeff Strong-a former bishop, mission president, BYU faculty member, and advisor to the Church-offers rare clarity into a painful and often misunderstood reality. The research suggests that nearly 40 percent of once-active Latter-day Saints in the United States have stepped away from Church participation over the past twenty-five years.

But this book is about far more than statistics. It is about sons and daughters. Husbands and wives. Friends and ward members. It is about thoughtful, sincere people striving to live with integrity-and the many believers who remain in the Church yet feel increasingly torn themselves.

Inside this book you will discover:

• why many sincere believers step away from the Church
• the deeper cultural tensions shaping faith today
• what faithful members can learn from those who leave
• how families can navigate these experiences with greater understanding
• how a more Christ-centered culture can strengthen faith and belonging

Rooted in faith and written with deep love for the Church and its people, Torn does not ask readers to choose sides. Instead, it invites them to see more clearly, listen more deeply, and respond more like Jesus Christ.

If someone you love has stepped away from the Church-or if you yourself feel caught between faith, love, belonging, and conscience-this book will help you feel seen, informed, and hopeful.

Because being torn does not have to be the end of faith. It can be the beginning of deeper understanding, stronger relationships, and a more Christlike way forward.

©2026 Coolstream Publishing (P)2026 Coolstream Publishing

Important insights and compelling narration

Torn shifted my perspective. Instead of feeling defensive or hurt when engaging with people who have left the church, I feel like I have a deeper understanding and empathy. This is critical to maintain relationships after faith transitions.

I also appreciated the focus on making Christ and the gospel the center of our religious experience, rather than getting caught up only in the practices of the church. It is a nuanced but important distinction.

For audiobook listeners, Jeff narrates the main portion of the book, and the audio is fabulous. He delivers the material with real conviction and expression, making it a well-narrated and compelling listen. I gained a lot from this message and highly recommend it.

The connection to the research

Loved it! Such great content & insight that can change the focus of our relationships in Christ.

Insightful, Heart Tugging, and Beautiful

Very insightful and beautiful. I resonated with much of the research, data, and thoughts that were shared. I hope our church culture will expand to where ALL plants can grow - not just a select few who fit a specific profile. Well worth the read/listen!

Thank you

This was a beautifully written book. It gave so much dignity and love and grace to those who have questions and doubts. And it gave a safe learning space to those who choose to stay, and how they can be more like Christ and create a better culture for more to thrive in. I highly recommend this book.

very insightful

Very well written. I wanted to do something to help, but did not know where to start. Now I understand better.